Safety steps needed during bow hunting season

Archery hunting accidents occur every season and most of them occur before a hunt begins or after its over.

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Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

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Posted Oct. 3, 2012 at 1:02 AM
Updated Oct 3, 2012 at 1:10 AM

Posted Oct. 3, 2012 at 1:02 AM
Updated Oct 3, 2012 at 1:10 AM

Archery hunting accidents occur every season and most of them occur before a hunt begins or after its over.

Tree stands are standard equipment for bowhunters, but they bring about a slew of potential risks. There is no point during a hunt when the hunter is more vulnerable than when his is climbing into and out of his tree stand.

“You know, most of the falls happen when hunters are climbing up or down,” said Lt. Jim Gorno, who heads up the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division in Gaylord. “It’s not usually when guys are in the tree, it’s that climbing in and out.”

Many hunters use safety tethers once they’re seated in a tree stand, but those offer little assistance on the way up and down. The best way to avoid falling during ascent or descent is taking it slow and climbing empty-handed.

Gorno suggests tying weapons and gear to a tow rope, then climbing into the tree. Once safely seated and safety-harnessed to the tree, pull up the gear. Attaching a safety harness is the most critical step in this process.

“Everyone should always wear a safety harness,” said Gorno. “There is no excuse not to.”

Crossbows have gained favor with many hunters since being legalized in 2009. Crossbow permit sales have increased in each of the last three years and are expected to jump again in 2012.

Unlike compound or traditional bows, crossbows are pre-cocked and fired by pulling a trigger, similar to firearm. This doesn’t necessarily pose an added risk, just a different one.

According to Gorno, there have been instances where hunters have tied their tow ropes to the trigger guard of a loaded crossbow and had it discharge — a potentially deadly accident.

Like all weapons, ensuring crossbows are unloaded before pulling them into the tree is an absolute must.

Equipment maintenance is also an important component in a safe hunting season.